Hot 5 restaurants

La Cholita

Northbridge

While booze-friendly entradas keep those at the bar merry, those seated in the restaurant section have the whole proverbial enchilada to choose from: order the tostadas with avocado and crab and the wood-grilled Angus beef hit with chimichurri. The Chimichanga with dulce de leche ice cream makes for an ideal non-alcoholic exclamation point to your night out. 279 William St, Northbridge 6003 (08 9227 9238).

Greenhouse

Perth

This CBD case study in eco-friendliness is slick, organic and most importantly fun. While young Matt Stone's cooking has captured plenty of national media attention, beyond the wunderkid's crunchy Vietnamese pancakes, spicy green mango salads and bold, mostly Asian-leaning flavours lies a particularly grand bar offering. 100 St Georges Tce,
Perth 6000 (08 9481 8333 www.greenhouseperth.com).

Rockpool Bar and Grill

Burswood

Perch yourself at one of the 10 seats at the bar and get stuck into a tasty chorizo hot dog, prawn roll or one of David Blackmore's now-legendary wagyu hamburgers and wash it down with a Clover Club No. 10 redux, complete with tumbler of limoncello sorbet, strawberries and pop rock candy. Burswood Entertainment Complex, Great Eastern Hwy, Victoria Park, Burswood 6100 (08 6252 1900 www.rockpool.com/rockpool-bar-and-grill-perth).

Izakaya Sakura

Northbridge

On days when only a mini teppanyaki will do, hot foot it to Izakaya Sakura for some tasty Japanese snacks washed down with sake, shochu or an ice cold Sapporo. Shop 2/182 James Street, Northbridge 6003 (08 9328 2525 www.izakayasakura.com.au).

The Old Brewery

Perth

Imagine every cut, done every way and likely to put you into a protein-fuelled state of ecstasy. The Old Brewery, right on the waterfront, happily combines the class of fine dining with the monster serves and classic flavours of a steak house. 173 Mounts Bay Rd, Perth 6000 (08 9211 8999 www.theoldbrewery.com.au).

Reasons to smile